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Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

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Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

By: Lizzie Pook
Narrated by: Anna Skellern
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About this listen

Picked as one of Stylist magazine's 'Fiction Books You Can't Miss' and longlisted for the HWA Debut Crown Award.

Fortune favours the brave in Lizzie Pook's mesmerising and fiercely feminist historical novel, Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter.

'Immersive storytelling, a rollicking mystery and a take-no-prisoners heroine' – Stylist

1896, Bannin Bay, Australia. When British pearl-boat captain Charles Brightwell goes missing out at sea, rumours of mutiny and murder swell within the bay's dens and back alleys. Only his headstrong daughter, Eliza, refuses to believe her father is dead, and sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.

But in a town teeming with corruption, prejudice, and blackmail, Eliza soon learns that the answers she seeks might cost more than pearls. How much is she willing to sacrifice to find them?

‘Tense and vividly atmospheric, with a determined, independent heroine intent on the truth ’ - Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

'Adventure, feminist heroine, grief, love and hope . . . Lizzie shines a light on a dark part of British history with grace, skill, sensitivity and honesty. I LOVED IT' - Nikki May, author of Wahala

 Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery

Critic reviews

Immersive storytelling, a rollicking mystery and a take-no-prisoners heroine
Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is a gorgeous debut. Both a breathtaking adventure story and a moving testimony to the lengths we go to for the people we love, it swept me away from the first page . . . A gleaming achievement (Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters)
A lively tale with a gutsy, likeable heroine (Nick Rennison)
Tense and vividly atmospheric, with a determined, independent heroine intent on the truth. It’s beautifully written, unflinching and brimming with adventure. I loved the journey to a world I knew nothing about - it’s gloriously transporting (Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne)
Written with sensitivity and heart, we defy you not to fall in love with this feisty, headstrong heroine
Lizzie Pook's plot rattles along, but the real draw is her description of the bay, a place where pearlers risk their lives diving for that elusive, perfect pearl that will set them up for life . . . It is an unfamiliar, unforgiving world and Eliza is an engaging guide
With prose as beautiful as its pearlescent cover, this is an absolute gem (Woman's Weekly)
A compelling, atmospheric mystery set in western Australia in the late 19th century. Brilliantly manages to recognise the details of the time, including the injustices of colonialism and the pearling industry, alongside a rollicking adventure. A sure fire hit (Kate Sawyer, Costa shortlisted author of The Stranding)
I loved it: a gritty plot, exquisite prose, and a vivid evocation of a dangerous time and place. Wonderfully researched and realised (Rosie Andrews, author of The Leviathan)
A stunning debut. From the very first line, this novel drew me fully into its gritty yet captivating world . . . I will never look at a string of pearls in quite the same way (Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake)
Gritty, lyrical, breathtaking. I couldn’t put it down, drawn in by its vivid characters and wealth of historical detail (Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's Gift)
This story of a daughter searching for her father in 19th century Bannin Bay is exquisite. You can feel the swell of the sea and smell the fish guts. Teeming with atmosphere and a drama that keeps you turning the pages . . . I loved it (Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green Eyed Girl)
The exquisite prose tugged me in and held me in the eye of the storm, my fingers tightly crossed for Eliza. It’s not just good, it’s important. Lizzie shines a light on a dark part of British history with grace, skill, sensitivity and honesty. I LOVED IT (Nikki May, author of Wahala)
This story is a voyage I won't forget readily. Days after reading, I still feel the thrum of the ocean beneath my feet. Phenomenal (Saara El-Arifi, author of The Final Strife)
All stars
Most relevant
This is a rip roaring tale full of unexpected twists and turns. Perhaps not for the squeamish, but well researched and very atmospheric. The language is powerful if at times a bit wordy. On the whole a piece of excellent story telling.

A rip roaring tale

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Very good presentation of the country at that time - unbelievably hot, dusty and difficult. A brilliant background for the story and the dangerous work of the pearl divers. Especially interesting if you’re a lover of nature and pearls as I am!

Atmospheric and descriptive

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6) Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter by Lizzie Pook, audiobook narrated by Anna Skellern. Publisher Mantle listened using Audible. 3.5 stars Book club choice January
This was one of our book club reads and should have been one I really enjoyed as I quite enjoy historical fiction, especially when there is a background of reality to it.
But I found it to be just ok, it sort of went in one ear and nearly straight back out again I didn’t feel invested in any of the characters.
It is based in 1896 in Bannin Bay Australia (in real life, the Kimberly area) and the Pearl boat industry. The descriptions of the lives of some of these Pearl divers and how they were treated, along with the indigenous people of the area is not pleasant reading. It is the story of Eliza Brightwell who goes looking for her father when he doesn’t return from his latest trip, that just didn’t seem to quite feel right. A bit like when you are watching one of those films where everyone knows there is a killer about and someone still goes out in the dark on their own.
There is nothing wrong with this story, it was pleasant enough to listen to, but not really the story that will make you think about it for long.

Enjoyable listen

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What an utterly gripping story, kept guessing all the way through. So many twists and turns. Definitely shed a tear or two along the way. The reading brings the story to vivid life and you really feel like you're there with Eliza. Brilliance, Lizzie, bravo

utterly gripping

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